Hot Stove in May

The MLB Players Association is expected to counter the owners’ plan to start the season by offering a proposal to play 100 games with fully-guaranteed, prorated salaries. Players had already agreed to a 50% pay reduction earlier this year and were not receptive to the owners’ proposal for progressive cuts that would affect stars more than rank and file players over an 82 game season.

MLB agent Scott Boras sent an email to his 71 clients suggesting they refuse further cuts, saying the owners’ motives are driven by debt from development financing that benefits their clubs, but not the players.

Owners have also said that they stand to lose $640,000 for every game played without fans and it is possible the players are using the 100-game idea as a bargaining chip. Players said any losses would be recouped through an expansion of the playoffs to 14 teams from 10.